Events

Somali Family Service (SFS) will host the fourth Annual Youth Summit on Sunday, March 29th, 2015. The summit will take place at the Jacobs Center from 11 AM to 6 PM. Community members ages 12 and up are invited.

The 2015 OceanLeaf Awards Celebration Focuses on Communities Woven Together through Hope and Resilience

The Third Annual OceanLeaf Awards Celebration will honor eight outstanding individuals and organizations that have provided exceptional leadership and support to Somali and other East African refugees and immigrants in the San Diego Community.

This year's theme is Honoring Communities Woven Together by Hope and Resilience. We will celebrate the journey of New Americans represented by the symbol of Ocean and the Leaf, the symbol of partnerships woven together through hope and resilience.

The Third Annual OceanLeaf Awards Celebration will take place from 5:30 to 9:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 25, 2015 at the Four Points by the Sheraton San Diego. The event will include a reception; traditional entertainment by Somali Dhanto performers and by the award-winning musical group, Sene Africa; and dinner and awards program. Bob Montgomery, Executive Director of International Rescue Committee, will be the keynote speaker.

Somali Family Service will be honoring eight community champions at the OceanLeaf Awards on February 25, 2015. Award honorees include:

Volunteer of the Year Award: Liban Ali, San Diego Somali Autism Awareness Initiative

SFS was launched in 2000 to help meet the needs of Somali and otherEast African refugees as they transition to a new life in the United States. SFS, along with its community partners, helps Somali and other African families in becoming responsible, independent and contributing members of San Diego. The organization focuses on developing economic, health, youth and family strengthening programs.

AWARDS CEREMONY SPONSOR:

RECEPTION SPONSOR:

TABLE SPONSORS:

Other Table Sponsors: - Partnership for the Advancement of New Americans, - Horn of Africa Community

Somali Family Services of San Diego will be hosting its Third Annual OceanLeaf Awards Celebration on February 25, 2015. The event will take place at the San Diego Four Points by Sheraton on Aero Drive. We will be honoring individuals who have been an integral part in advancing the lives of East African refugees in our communities. If you know of someone that should be considered, please complete and submit a nomination form by September 30, 2014

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Somali Family Service of San Diego OceanLeaf Awards Celebration 2015

Call For Nominations! "Nomination Period ended"

The nomination process begins with an initial screening followed by the final selection. To submit a nominee for the initial screening, simply complete the form here.

If your nominee advances to the final phase, you will be contacted to provide additional information.

The Honorary Committee, comprised of volunteers from the community, will make a final selection for each award among the final phase nominees. Awards will be given in all categories providing the nominee has met the highest standards of achievement.

OceanLeaf Leadership Award This award is presented to an individual or organization that is respected as a voice of and for the community. The recipient of the Leadership Award is a leader, dedicated to problem solving, finding solutions and building a stronger and more connected community.

OceanLeaf Spirit Award This award is presented to an individual or organization involved in humanitarian outreach and represents belief in the human spirit as well as protection and advocacy for human rights. The recipient of this award has demonstrated support for the humanity of the individual and the community as a whole.

OceanLeaf Innovation Award This award is presented to an individual or organization that has been a force of unique innovation within the community. The recipient of this award has pioneered new ideas, demonstrated risk taking, and has maximized their resources to improve the quality of life within the community.

OceanLeaf Health and Well-Being Award This award is presented to an individual or organization involved with the health and well-being of the community. The recipient of this award represents a selfless and nurturing individual, dedicated to helping others and ensuring the happiness and good welfare of the community, demonstrating an effort to bringing the community together.

OceanLeaf Opportunity Award This award is presented to an individual or organization involved with the economic development of the community. The recipient of this award represents a dedication to the promotion of self-sufficiency and independence within the community, acting as a constant resource of support and a role model for others.

OceanLeaf Emerging Leader Award This award is presented to a young individual that represents a new generation of youth empowerment. The recipient of this award upholds ideals of democracy, justice and responsibility, and aspires to be a role model and active voice for their peers.

Requirements

Nominations must be received by Somali Family Service of San Diego by September 30, 2014

Multiple nominations are encouraged, but please only one nomination per formLate entries will not be accepted Incomplete forms will not be accepted Previous candidates are not eligible for re-nomination. Please note list of past Honorees that follows Candidates must be from the San Diego community

Submission

To submit your nomination for any of OceanLeaf 2015 categories’, please complete the online nomination form click here. If you have any question or comments please contact us here.

OceanLeafAwards Celebration Past Honorees

OceanLeaf Leadership Award:

Jesse Mills, Ph.D. Professor, USD

Agin Shaheed, San Diego Unified School District, The Race/Human Relations and Advocacy Program

OceanLeaf Spirit Award:

Carmen Chavez Casa Cornelia Law Center

Abdulkadir Mohamed

OceanLeaf Innovation Award:

Dory Beatrice Griffith and La Jolla Golden Triangle Rotary

Marjorie Blanchard, Ph.D.

OceanLeaf Emerging Leader Award

Ali Artan, MBA. Young Professional

Abdulmalik Buul

Ramla Sahid

OceanLeaf Opportunity Award

Parker Foundation

Murugi Kenyatta, Foundation for Women

OceanLeaf Health and Well-Being Award

Horn of Africa: Families Together Program

Bonnie Copland, County of San DiegoCentral Region Public Health Center